Back to Oakley!

We left for Oakley on July 8. We were very excited about arriving. Catherine and Lauren arrived earlier in the week. We were so excited to see how much Lauren had grown. Russon, Melanie, Mitchell, Jared, and Dallin were going to be there. We haven't seen the family for a year. We were excited to reunite. Jeff, Renee', Larissa, and Olivia arrived later in the week. We love to play horses and dogs with LaLa and Livy. Stephanie came that week as well. Stephanie is plain fun! We could hardly wait to dig into her. We were very much missing Todd, Mary, Isaac, Tessa, AND Jason Brown; wishing we could spend time with them, too.


There was so much activity. Addison and Payton were in heaven. So many cousins to play with...so much to do at Grammy and Papa's. Everyday we could expect our "cold one" and Oreo cookies with Papa out in the backyard in the shade, jumping on the trampoline, playing in the wading pool, swatting flies with the DIRTY flyswatters, taking four-wheeler rides, playing Skip-bo games, watering flowers, playing on the hammock, and enjoying lots of laughter and lots of fun. We also had the opportunity to go to the open house for the Twin Falls Temple. It was beautiful! I was so happy to share it with Addison and Payton. I don't think they enjoyed it as much as I. We also went to the City of Rocks, found our rock house, climbed the rocks, had a rock throwing contest with Uncle Jeff....(Jared beat everyone!) And, of course...had a little treat. Addison, Payton, and I went to the Oakley Swimming Pool almost everyday. The girls loved the water and all the friends they played with. We would go for a little ice cream cone after the swim at the Hornet's Nest. Then, we'd toodle home on the four-wheeler.


We were also in Oakley over the 24th of July. Addison, Larrissa, and Olivia braved all the elements, put on their game faces, their jeans, their riding number, and climbed the chutes to meet....their lamb/steer. They participated in the "Kids Rodeo - Muttin Bustin." It was classic!

I didn't think Addie would do it!

She cried.....She got on..... She fell off...She cried...She lived to tell. She was awesome! So was Olivia and LaLa. They were the cutest cowgirls around! Yeah! What an experience for them to remember! Jeff, Renee', and I won't forget "on deck," either! A BIG thanks to Nick Robinson for helping Addison down onto the BIG sheep. Addison was scared to death and Nick was so kind and helpful. (Can't believe I used to babysit him!!) It was a very long night but very exciting to watch Addison try something crazy and fun!

Thanks again to Grammy and Papa for letting us stay for so long and literally....vacation! We love you!